Monday, December 14, 2015

Recycle Bin, Week of Dec 14

It's been a while since we've taken the recycling out, so there's a decent batch of goodies this week (as well as one or two to steer clear of.) If you're stocking up for holiday gatherings (or just looking to sooth those holiday shopping blues), the Sterling and Alamos chardonnays will treat you right. And if you're looking for stocking stuffers, the pinot from Emeritus is a showstopper. There's also a handful of wines from the Sudtirol region in northern Italy (bordering Austria and Switzerland.) You'll be hard-pressed to find a region that offers such a diverse and eclectic collection of wines.

If you're in search of good QPR, you almost can't go wrong here - the schiava (aka vernatsch) is an amazing wine for not a lot of money. Finally, some Portugues wines and a couple of reds from Bonny Doon round things out. Enjoy and happy holidays! (All bottle photos are at the bottom, after the jump.)

2014 Sterling Chardonnay Central Coast $10

I'll
be honest: my expectations for this wine were low considering the
marked decline in the quality of entry level West Coast chardonnays
since the 2012 vintage. (My tasting notes for the 2013 vitnage of this wine read, "Dull, flabby, and with a rough edge on the flat finish. Boo.") Thankfully, my expectations were wrong. This is
text book tropicalia California chardonnay with round, plump body and
enough structure to hold it together. A pleasant surprise and a wine
that I will reach for to get us through weeknights this winter.

2012 Alamos Chardonnay Mendoza $8Not
too many think of Argentina when they're reaching for a value priced
Chardonnay, but this wine is reason enough to change that. Stylistically
competing head to head with stereotypical California Chardonnay, this
bargain of an example
gives the West Coast a run for it's money. Creamy with a caramel edge
and plenty of full-bodied fruit, what it lacks in complexity it makes up
for in accessibility.

2013 Emeritus Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast "Pinot Hill" $55

An
outstanding experience from what has quickly become a perennial favorite. Supremely elegant in a Burgundian manner.
Contrary to the borderline viscous mouthfeel many Sonoma Coast pinots
have, this refined ruby-colored is in full command of poise and balance
while also managing to straddle the fence between its lighter weight and
full-throttle delivery of kaleidoscope flavors. But what is perhaps the
most entrancing component of this wine is its exciting, feminine acidity; draped
across the fruit like expensive lingerie on flawless skin. Expect to
shell out north of $85 for an equivalent experience from France. Santa,
can you hear me?

2014 Schreckbichl - Colterenzio Pinot Grigio Alto Adige $14

Pinot
Gris from Alto Adige is such a different beast from the other 99% of
wine made from the same grape. Supple texture frames the platform for a
flavorful and subtly creamy palate. Citrus high notes sit in the
background so the acidity can shine without being aggressive. A lovely,
uncomplicated wine.

2014 Cantina Terlan Pinot Grigio Alto Adige $24

Bracing
acidity accompanies the fleet-footed flavors of this easy lunchtime
quaf from its attack through the finish. Simple in the
most endearing of ways.

2013 St Michael-Eppan Lagrein Alto Adige $15

Fans
of high-caliber Cotes du Rhone Villages will love this wine. Its medium
weight, savory fruit sits atop an earthy soul, and its flavors are
delivered in such a relaxed, casual manner as to put you into the same
frame of mind. As we enter the winter months and the season of cuisine
that accompanies them, this is an easy one to reach for.

2014 Nals Margreid Galea Schiava Alto Adige $18

It
was through the promotion of Sudtirolean wines that I first made the
acquaintance of this grape. I was quickly smitten. Gentle and low in
alcohol, this refreshing red is oozing with honesty first exhibited by
its pretty, enticing nose. While light in density, it's packed with
beautiful floral and cheery cherry flavors. The fastest (and least
expensive) way to teleport yourself to lunch at a causal trattoria in
northern Italy. Still very smitten. Terrific bargain.

2014 Monte Velho White Alentejo $10

Three
grapes you've never heard of singing a three part honeysuckles harmony
you'll want to hear again. Easy to reach for, especially at the price. Too bad it's too cold to enjoy on the porch!

Borrowing
heavily from (or is it merely charting its own course?) the Rhône
Valley and evoking strong sentiments of Crozes Hermitages and Cornas,
this is a wine of clean, well-defined lines, consonant voice, and simple
purity. Though medium red in the glass, it is pure black in the mouth;
the cool, black olive fruit sits in reserve in balance with savory
overtones wrapped around the lean body in a loose coil. This is an
honest wine, an enjoyable wine, and though not one meant for mixed
company, will certainly crank the dial all the way to 11 for the right
audience.

2011 Le Cigare Volante Reserve Red $60

Bonny Doon's closures.

Closed
and lean on the nose, persisting through the palate. Pretty high-toned
floral notes accompany the pronounced acidity all the way along the
mile-long finish. Still a baby in need of further evolution. Several
hours decanted certainly benefit the texture and bass level flavor
frequencies. But with food, well, it just shines. Brightly. Very well
made, if still awaiting its peak.